Music tuition fees abolished within Forres, the rest of Moray and across Scotland
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Tuition fees for schoolkids learning a musical instrument are being abolished this year thanks to more than £7million funding from the Scottish Government.
Councils are also being given £6million so they waive charges on families for things such as materials for home economics or theatre trips associated with drama qualifications.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Education Secretary, said the move marks the delivery of two commitments which the SNP made for its first 100 days of this government.
She added: "All children should have the best start in life, and the ability to take part in core elements of education should never be limited by a child’s ability to pay.
"Today’s announcement means families will not see bills for musical tuition or core curriculum activities in the new school year."
As regards the situation in future years, Ms Somerville stated she would continue to work with local authorities to develop a sustainable model.
Most families in Moray currently pay tuition fees, although some children get lessons for free, including those who receive free school meals.
The charges in Moray amount to about £204 per child for group instruction, or £291 for individual instruction.
Stephen McCabe is the Children and Young People spokesperson for COSLA, the group which represents all 32 of Scotland's councils.
He said: "Councils recognise the importance of instrumental music tuition for the learning and development of our children and young people.
"Where fees were in place for tuition this is due to a range of local pressures on core council budgets.
"The one year funding package agreed between COSLA Leaders and Scottish Government will allow for the removal of fees in the coming academic year and the maintenance of existing levels of provision, so that fees and charges are not a barrier to learning an instrument.
"We welcome the commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills to work with COSLA and partners in the sector to consider the intent, impact, and broader implications of this Scottish Government policy intervention.
"We want to develop a model for the long-term sustainability of instrumental music tuition services across Scotland which must include sustainable funding arrangements for all councils."
